The 2025–26 NBA season is already shaping up to be drama-filled thanks to months of trades, free-agent signings, and big-name moves. With the schedule now released, fans can start circling their calendars for the league’s most intriguing grudge matches.
Both the Eastern and Western Conferences saw major shakeups starting at February’s trade deadline, and the offseason only added more fuel to the fire. Some of these moves set the stage for emotional reunions, revenge storylines, and can’t-miss TV moments.
Here are the top five “payback” games to look forward to when the new season tips off in October.
5. Kristaps Porzingis Returns to Boston: Jan. 28
In an effort to avoid the second tax apron, the Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal. Boston received Georges Niang, who was later flipped to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr.
Porzingis, a beloved figure in Boston and a key part of their championship run two seasons ago, admitted he wanted to stay but understood the business side of the move. On Jan. 28, he’ll walk back into TD Garden wearing Hawks colors, facing the teammates and fans who once cheered him on.
4. Michael Porter Jr. vs. the Denver Nuggets: Jan. 29
Longtime Nugget Michael Porter Jr. was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in early July, along with an unprotected first-round pick, in exchange for Cameron Johnson. Porter spent six seasons in Denver and admitted to feeling “a little bit of hurt” over the trade, though he acknowledged it was time for change.
The very next night after Porzingis’ return to Boston, Porter will be back in Denver to take on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and several close friends. Expect him to bring extra motivation when the Nets face the crowd that once supported him.
3. Myles Turner Faces the Indiana Pacers: Nov. 3
One of the offseason’s most surprising moves came when Myles Turner left the Indiana Pacers to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. Reports during the playoffs suggested Indiana was willing to pay the luxury tax to keep him, but Turner chose a team he felt could stay competitive.
With Tyrese Haliburton recovering from an ACL injury, Turner decided to join the Bucks, a team that’s developed a heated rivalry with the Pacers especially after Indiana eliminated Milwaukee in each of the past two postseasons. His return to Indianapolis on November 3 should be full of fireworks.
2. Kevin Durant Returns to Phoenix: Nov. 24
Earlier this year, Kevin Durant insisted he was committed to the Phoenix Suns, shutting down trade rumors involving the Golden State Warriors. But after the Suns missed the playoffs, the situation changed quickly.
Durant was sent to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team deal the largest in NBA history. On Nov. 24, he’ll step back into Footprint Center with a new squad and a point to prove against Devin Booker and the Suns team that shopped him for months.
1. Bradley Beal Returns to Phoenix: Nov. 6
Few situations were as messy as Bradley Beal’s exit from Phoenix. The Suns spent the last two years trying to move him, but his no-trade clause blocked any potential deal.
Eventually, Beal accepted a buyout this summer and signed with the LA Clippers. His first game back in Phoenix comes early Nov. 6 and you can bet he’ll be looking to make a statement against the franchise that tried so hard to push him out.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers 2025–26 NBA Season Schedule And Roster Breakdown
